Are they being ordered to start fires? Seriously, this is probably on the table for the Illegitimate One.

During the Fireman's Union strike in Memphis, TN in 1980-81 (I believe) there was a major spate of mysterious fires that were started throughout the city. Also, people started taking 'pot shots' at high school students from around the state that came in as 'scabs' during that strike.

Eventually the National Guard had to post armed soldiers at major street corners and patrol the streets in jeeps.